Preparing your home for the upcoming cold weather season is starting to cross every homeowner’s mind. But as you begin hauling out the fall decorations and getting your landscaping prepared for the cooler months, there are 5 Fall Home Safety Tips that should be followed to keep you home warm, happy and protected.
5 Fall Home Safety Tips
1) Get your HVAC System Checked Out – Now, before the hard freeze hits, is the time when you want to get your furnacechecked out. Make sure to have a licensed technician review your heating system to assure that all air is flowing freely and there are no safety or technical issues that can leave you in the cold. You will also want to change out your air filter and have a few extras on hand for the upcoming dusty, dry heating months.
2) Install and Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detector – Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas emitted when burning fuels such as natural gas, propane, wood, oil, gasoline or coal. The danger occurs in homes that do not have proper ventilation or hold faulty systems that allow the gas to collect in the home. Often know as a silent killer, carbon monoxide poisoning contributed to an average of 430 deaths per year from 1999-2010. Symptoms in the early stages can mimic the common flu and can include: headache, fatigue and shortness of breath leading to possible motor function impairment.
Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector for each floor of the home placed in particular areas including: the kitchen, near the furnace, in the garage, living room (especially if you have a fireplace) and near sleeping areas at about knee height. If you have pets or small children in the home you may want to place your co detector a bit higher up to prevent interference.
3) Clean Out Gutters – Cleaning out your home’s gutters is more than just a cosmetic need. When gutters become clogged they can lead to water and mold damage issues at the roof line as well as flooding issues to basements and foundations.
4) Seal Out the Cold – Check your home’s doors, windows and entryways for weather stripping needs. Not only will this keep you home warmer and cut down on energy bills but it will also keep critters and mold out.
5) Light The Way – With the winter months coming, daylight gets shorter. Check outside light fixtures for repairs and burnt out bulbs. For the winter season you may think about adding some pathway lights for walkways. Look for energy saver light bulbs and flood lights that are snow and rain safe.
With a little preparation, fall can be a fun time of pumpkins, bonfires and family gatherings. Take the steps to make sure you home is both inviting and safe. As always Reliable Restoration is here for you, should you need us 24/7/365 in the event that a fall disaster strikes. After all your family, is our family.
